Jewish Funeral Services: FAQ
For members & non-members, at the heart of our bereavement service is a desire to ensure kavod ha’met (honour/dignity in death). In and out of London.
The practice in Liberal Judaism is to let families and individuals make up their own minds whether they prefer burial or cremation, or any other option (such as woodland burial). If you seek further clarification or guidance, please do get in touch with us. We are compassionate, welcoming, open and forward-looking.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after death should a Jewish funeral be organised?
Liberal Judaism recommends a funeral taking place sooner rather than later, but would also take into consideration the needs of family or friends who may have to travel some distance.
What happens when a Jewish person dies?
Jewish observance is based on the rabbinic principle of kibbud ha-meit (showing respect or honouring the dead). Following the death of someone close, it is often difficult to know and decide what to do. Liberal Judaism will be able to give you some guidance, but each individual is different, and you should be guided by your own sense of intuition and need.
Can Jewish people donate their organs?
Liberal Judaism regards organ donation as a mitzvah – a noble deed and worthy of merit. Through this act of generosity, the mitzvah of saving a human life (pikkuach nefesh) is upheld.
Does Judaism allow autopsies?
Liberal Judaism does not object to post-mortem examinations.
Can I send or bring flowers to a Jewish funeral?
Charitable donations, often guided by the family, are encouraged rather than bringing flowers.
What should I wear to a Jewish funeral?
The wearing or black or another sombre colour symbolises how we are feeling following a death. Customs differ even in the Jewish community, possibly influenced by the surrounding culture. Liberal Judaism does not prescribe what should be worn at a funeral or afterwards.
Are there any Jewish burial rules to be followed?
All individuals are buried or cremated in a simple wooden coffin with no adornment. Preparation of the body is usually undertaken by the funeral director.
The deceased is then wrapped in simple white shrouds (tachrichin). It is traditional to be wrapped in one’s tallit. All ornaments are removed. Behind these customs is the recognition of the democracy of death. Wealthy or poor, all are equal before God. Just as we come into the world without possessions, so in the same manner do we go out of this world.
What happens in Jewish funeral?
The funeral liturgy used for burials and cremations is composed of Psalms and prayers with an emphasis on the life of the soul which returns to God. The hesped (eulogy) is often given by the Rabbi, but occasionally by a member of the family or a friend.
A funeral in a cemetery is usually conducted in the prayer hall. The congregation moves to the graveside for the burial and then returns to the prayer hall for the closing prayers and Kaddish. Once the coffin has been lowered into the grave, the congregation is invited to cover the coffin with earth.
A cremation service takes place at a crematorium and essentially follows the same form as the burial, except for the committal. The committal is that point in the cremation service when the coffin is removed or screened from the congregation. Like the first thud of earth on the coffin, it represents the finality of death. The ashes will be stored temporarily at the crematorium and should then be buried or scattered.
What follows a Jewish funeral service?
After a funeral, the emphasis in Jewish tradition shifts from kibbud ha-meit (respect for the dead) to the needs of mourners. It is a comforting tradition to light a memorial candle on one’s return home following the funeral.
It is also traditional for mourners to partake of a special ‘mourner’s meal’. In Hebrew this is called s’udat havra’ah, literally ‘the meal of recuperation’ and is usually provided by friends or members of the congregation. The custom is to include food that is round, such as a hard-boiled egg, to symbolise that the soul is eternal.
The seven-day period of mourning, known as shivah, begins on the day of the funeral and ends on the morning of the seventh day.
The shivah period gives the mourner permission to stay at home, to be surrounded by friends, family and congregation, to be supported during a time of disorientation and grief. Prayers are recited in the home and members of the congregation are encouraged to attend.
Liberal Judaism encourages the practice of shivah but leaves this decision and the number of days to the mourner. Many Liberal Jews choose to observe between one and three nights of prayers. Liberal Judaism does not apply any pressure to a family to undertake any mitzvah with which they might feel uncomfortable.
“And Abraham proceeded to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.”
(Genesis 23:2)
We are here for you…
To discuss options surrounding a Liberal Judaism Funeral, please contact us….
Funeral Options for members and non-members inside and outside of London.
Funeral options for members
Members of our Liberal Judaism Burial & Cremation Scheme have the option to be buried in one of our cemeteries. You can also opt for a cremation, organised under our auspices. Liberal Judaism’s cemeteries can bury Jews and also, where required, their non-Jewish partners. This enables mixed-faith partners the option to be buried together. Consistent with progressive principles, Liberal Judaism offers woodland burials and also supports families if the deceased has opted to donate their body for the purpose of medical research.
Funeral options for non-members
Liberal Judaism is proud to conduct non-member funerals. We provide a sympathetic, first class and fully inclusive Jewish funeral, conducted by a Liberal rabbi. We can also help with burial, woodland burial and cremation. Liberal Judaism can arrange for couples to be buried together, including the case of couples where one of the partners is not Jewish.
Under the care of Liberal Judaism, burials of non-members can take place at Edgwarebury Cemetery (Edgware) or altertnatively, The Western Cemetery (Cheshunt) in London. Cremations, however, can take place at any London crematorium. We are also able to assist people outside of London so please get in touch for support.
Non-Jewish partners of Jewish people may be buried in all Liberal sections situated at Edgwarebury, and in the woodland section at Cheshunt providing their Jewish partner is, or will be buried in the same plot.
Liberal Judaism is committed to helping non-members and their families, but please note that the only definite way to guarantee a plot is to join a Liberal Jewish community.
In the case of couples, please be aware that the family is not purchasing the plot, but only the right for the second partner to be buried alongside their loved one (either as a non-member or as a member if he or she decides to become one).